Shotgun question

Discussion in 'Turkey Hunting' started by BigDaddy, Jan 10, 2015.

  1. BigDaddy

    BigDaddy Die Hard Bowhunter

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    I am going turkey hunting for the first time this spring. I don't own a shotgun, but I am looking at 2 different used ones. I am looking for any input on either gun, and which one you would pick.
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  2. Revvv

    Revvv Weekend Warrior

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    I general use my bow for turkey, but when I want to use a shotgun I break out my old single shot, break barrel.

    Go with what feels comfortable to you.

    I also use that single shot for dove and quail. I like the light weight the single shot provides.

    My only word of caution; beware of cheaply made shotguns. I have seen a couple open up like bananas once they got warmed up.




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  3. Revvv

    Revvv Weekend Warrior

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    By the way, the shotguns that detonated were a Pardner. Both guns could have been a fluke, but it was enough to scare me away.


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  4. jeffacarp

    jeffacarp Grizzled Veteran

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    What's your budget for the new shotgun if you don't mind my asking? I'd definitely recommend the 12 ga for turkey, they're tough birds! Not that a 20 ga won't kill em, I'd just feel more secure with the knock down power of a 12 ga at longer distances.
     
  5. budalcorn45

    budalcorn45 Weekend Warrior

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    My suggestion is if you can find and afford one, look for a Remington 870 or mossberg 500(I think) with interchangeable chokes. For turkey, I like to use a full or turkey choke. They are tough birds so I also like a 12ga. A 20ga will kill one, but if you can shoot a more powerful shell at them, I would.


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  6. jeffacarp

    jeffacarp Grizzled Veteran

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    I agree, those prices on the OP's post were cheap, but I'm not sure of the quality or reliability of those. For another couple hundred bucks they could get a NEW synthetic 870 pump and have a reliable gun that's gonna go through heck and back and keep on firing like the day it was bought.
     
  7. BigDaddy

    BigDaddy Die Hard Bowhunter

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    I agree 100% on the 870, I had one with both barrels years ago, and traded it for a muzzleloader. Dumb move!!! At the time, I never thought I would hunt for anything but deer ever again, and I was getting into the muzzleloader thing hot and heavy. I am not looking to spend that much on another shotgun, even tho its a good idea.
     
  8. American Honky

    American Honky Weekend Warrior

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    I would agree. A 20ga will kill them, but I've seen it twice now hunting with a guys using 20ga shotguns... they go down a lot harder with a 20ga than with a 12ga. I highly recommend the Remington 870 Super Express... great gun for this and not outrageously priced.
     
  9. No.6Hunter

    No.6Hunter Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Go with the 12 gauge, Plenty of power for turkey and enough to make it a deer gun as well!

    I use a Mossberg 835 for Deer and Turkey
     
  10. in da woods

    in da woods Grizzled Veteran

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    12ga. more versatile if you want to hunt other animals with it. Plus you can reach out an touch one at a fairly long distance.
     
  11. BukFvr21

    BukFvr21 Die Hard Bowhunter

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    My vote is Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 pump 12ga. You can pick used ones up for a little more than that Pardner but in my opinion better guns. Not that those won't shoot I just like the other two better. They are tried and true.
     
  12. TwoBucks

    TwoBucks Grizzled Veteran

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    I vote an 870 but make sure it fits you before buying it


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  13. greatwhitehunter3

    greatwhitehunter3 Grizzled Veteran

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    My old 870 is still one of my favorite shotguns to shoot and you should be able to find one at a pretty reasonable price.
     
  14. greatwhitehunter3

    greatwhitehunter3 Grizzled Veteran

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    I looked at this post again because Coyote Creek looked familiar and saw you were from Austin. I was down at that store two falls ago while goose hunting. Pretty neat place.
     
  15. BigDaddy

    BigDaddy Die Hard Bowhunter

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    You should see it now!! Its really changed!!
     
  16. copperhead

    copperhead Grizzled Veteran

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    Between the two like most said the 12 gauge. I grew up hunting with the H&R single shots and killed lots of stuff with them. Good luck this season.
     
  17. greatwhitehunter3

    greatwhitehunter3 Grizzled Veteran

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    Changed in a good way?
     
  18. BigDaddy

    BigDaddy Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Yes! It used to be mostly archery stuff. Now they have more gun stuff. They bought the rest of the building that was next to them, and expanded. Really nice archery range inside now too.
     
  19. greatwhitehunter3

    greatwhitehunter3 Grizzled Veteran

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    I'll have to go back next time I'm in the area!
     
  20. Swise660

    Swise660 Weekend Warrior

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    Definitely a 12 gauge!

    On my first turkey I shot, I was excited, made a less than desirable shot. I know if I would of been shooting something smaller, that bird would not be on my wall right now!
     

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